Greek programme absolutely credible, says EU spokesperson Breidthardt
"We read very carefully the post of IMF officials" said Breidthardt adding that "the European institutions believe that the policies within the ESM programme are solid and can allow Greece to return to growth and to the markets". She also noted that "Greece has already implemented very important reforms and is on track to meet the agreed fiscal targets." She added that "all institutions will recognise these achievements".
Referring to the delegation in Athens, she noted that "staff from all institutions are currently in Athens to reach an agreement on the second review" and reiterated that "taking under consideration the up to date progress, an agreement is possible very soon if all parts participate constructively in the negotiations." Moreover, she underlined European Commission's commitment to this target.
Asked if the Economic And Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) could rule if the programme is credible in relation to the IMF doubts, Breidthardt said that the Greek programme has gone through "meticulous checkings by the Eurogroup and by other institutions as well as by the European Court of Auditors". As she stated, the ECOFIN is independent and lies to them to decide what they want to check and in general their order is related to the position on fiscal policies that refer to the eurozone in the whole.